ABOUT PEELS
My chemical peel treatments offer a powerful yet gentle solution to a variety of skincare concerns, leaving you with smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
What is a chemical peel?
It's a professional-grade exfoliation treatment that utilizes a blend of acids, such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid, to remove dead skin cells and stimulate cellular turnover. This process reveals fresh, new skin underneath, resulting in a more even tone, improved texture, and diminished appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.
At a mile-high, Denver skincare needs are a little different and require a little extra love. I offer a range of chemical peels tailored to your specific skin type and concerns and followup with extra nourishment and hydration for this very reason. Whether you're looking to address acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or simply want to rejuvenate dull, tired skin, I have the perfect peel for you.
After cleansing and prepping your skin, the peel solution will be applied evenly to the treatment area. You may experience a slight tingling or warming sensation as the peel works its magic, but rest assured, I will ensure your comfort throughout the process. Once the desired level of exfoliation is achieved, the peel will be neutralized, and soothing serums and moisturizers will be applied to calm and hydrate the skin.
Following your treatment, you may experience some mild redness or peeling as your skin undergoes its renewal process. However, within days, you'll notice a visible improvement in the tone, texture, and overall appearance of your skin, with results continuing to improve over the following weeks.
The Science Behind Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work through a process called chemical exfoliation or chemexfoliation. The science behind it involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes controlled damage to the outer layers. This damage prompts the skin to shed dead and damaged cells and stimulate the production of new, healthier skin cells.
The key ingredients in chemical peels are usually alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and sometimes trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These acids work by loosening the bonds between skin cells, allowing the top layers of the skin to slough off more easily.
Once the chemical solution is applied to the skin, it penetrates the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and may reach deeper layers, depending on the type and strength of the peel. This penetration triggers a wound-healing response in the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness.
The depth of penetration and the extent of exfoliation depend on various factors, including the concentration of acids in the peel, the pH level of the solution, and the duration of application. Superficial peels, which primarily affect the epidermis, are milder and require minimal downtime, while deeper peels penetrate into the dermis (deeper layer of skin) and may involve more significant downtime and recovery.
Over the following days to weeks after a chemical peel, the skin undergoes a process of regeneration, revealing smoother, more evenly toned, and younger-looking skin. Chemical peels can improve various skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities.
Overall, the science behind chemical peels involves controlled skin damage and subsequent regeneration, leading to improved skin texture, tone, and appearance.
Pre-Treatment Care
Before a chemical peel treatment, it is important that you take care of your skin and ensure it is in a calm state by:
Avoiding certain treatments. Don’t wax, use depilatory creams, or get electrolysis on the area for 5-7 days before.
Avoiding certain products. Do not use topical agents such as retinoids, exfoliants, or topical antibiotics for 5-7 days before treatment.
Avoiding laser treatments, excessive sun exposure, and tanning beds for at least 14 days before.
Prescription and Over The Counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, should be avoided as they can interfere with proper healing.
Avoiding (excessive) alcohol consumption for 24 hours before your appointment. In addition, stay hydrated by consuming water and electrolytes.
Post-Treatment Care
Following a chemical peel treatment, it's essential to follow proper post-treatment care to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. This includes:
Avoiding direct sunlight for 7-14 days, and wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. If you will be going in the sun, sunscreen should be reapplied every few hours, and hats should be worn when possible.
Using gentle skincare products to soothe and hydrate the skin. Avoid any skin makeup or harsh skincare products for at least 24 hours.
Avoiding saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and hot sweaty workouts the day of, and the day after treatment.
Halting the use of any mechanical or chemical exfoliants for AT LEAST a week (retinols, AHAs, etc). A gentle and natural soap (Osmia Organics sample bars available for $5) can be used in the shower to gently roll off dead skin cells.
Avoid facial waxing, electrolysis, and depilatories for AT LEAST a week after procedure, maybe longer depending on skin sensitivity.
Staying hydrated. Drinking water helps your body produce healthy collagen cells which can help your skin repair faster.